Autobahn trading platform
– a suite of powerful apps

Autobahn is a suite of trading products and services for Deutsche Bank corporate clients. Andrew was tasked with redesigning the entire suite. He was invited to observe traders working on the trading floor in the London office, to see how they used the current system. To talk directly with users and identify potential improvements.

A typical Deutsche Bank trader had a ‘turret’ of six screens displaying numerous apps simultaneously, each trader has their own preference of apps and app arrangement but the information had to be clearly displayed and easy to find regardless of individual setup.

Working with experienced traders created an unusual design challenge, to not not over-simplify the UI. There is a certain cache for traders in understanding complex systems that novices find confusing.

Another challenge was how to alert all users of significant news without interrupting their workflow. Andrew designed an alert bar that did not obscure any of the apps but delivered important messages clearly.

Andrew took the most often used apps – Charting, Calendar, Trader Commentary, the launch bar and created design principles that could be rolled out across all other apps. It was immensely satisfying to see more Autobahn apps updated to the new look and feel.

There is an Easter egg in the form of a Newcastle Blue Star icon which marks items covered by Deutsche Bank.